I can't quite believe I'm doing it but I'm taking part in the Stars Appeal Dalai Lama Mountain Trek to India in April 2026!! Every penny given goes to Stars Appeal - I am saving for the trip myself and gathering the kit needed.

The reasons for this adventure are deeply personal. Over the past six months I've been personally involved with the cancer, eye and stroke teams at Salisbury NHS alongside two other hospitals. Every single staff member has been amazing. Additionally, I work for the incredible Cardiology team at Salisbury. Now, it's my turn to give something back and challenge myself in a meaningful way.

This trek will present me with four significant challenges. The first is the PHYSICAL CHALLENGE of trekking – walking at altitude (up to 3,200 meters) for up to nine hours a day through the breathtaking southernmost ridges of the Himalayas.

The challenge of BEING PART OF A GROUP – travelling, camping and sharing cold showers, squat loos, and coping cheerfully with early starts, lack of sleep, unfamiliar food, sore feet, and being home sick.

The CULTURAL challenge - India will be bonkers!

The FUNDRAISING challenge - Every trekker must pledge to raise at least £2,000 for the Stars Appeal!

How your donations could help towards Stars Appeal services...

Cancer: £200 could fund aromatherapy session for 5 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Dementia: The latest rehabilitation equipment to help older people recover faster and be able to return home sooner.

For every patient: Stars Appeal toiletry packs, free TV cards and clothing for patients arriving at hospital in an emergency or facing hardship, and much much more....https://starsappeal.org/what-were-fundraising-for/

Please help me reach my minimum target of £2,000 and support the Stars Appeal in their vital work, thank you, Claire. x